New digital marquee draws attention to history, culture at Macon’s Douglass Theatre
If you’re driving along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Macon, you may have noticed an eye-catching new sign for the historic Douglass Theatre.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – If you’re driving along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Macon, you may have noticed an eye-catching new sign for the historic Douglass Theatre.
For more than 100 years, Macon’s Douglass Theatre has served as a venue for multicultural performances and films, particularly highlighting art in the African American community.
But according to the theater’s Executive Director, Shelton Land, advertising events has changed since The Douglass first opened.
“It started, you know, back in the day,” Land explained. “It was when nailing posters on the light pole and nailing posters in front of this.”
Located in the heart of downtown, you’d think the theater would be hard to miss, but with the addition of new, bigger buildings, it became easy to overlook.
Executive Director of the Griffith Foundation, Joshua Hale, says he felt it was important to bring more attention to the theater’s historical and cultural impact.
“The first few times that I came to the Douglass, having to peek around the corner of this new development and try to find it,” Hale said.
That’s why the Griffith Foundation donated money to have a new digital marquee installed in front of the theater.
“The heritage of the Douglass, what it means to the people of Macon culturally, that’s really a mark on the bull’s eye for what we try to do with the Griffith Foundation,” he said.
The sign’s installation comes as Macon celebrates its bicentennial anniversary.
Land says the new sign continues to build on the theater’s legacy and he hopes it will help the Douglass continue to serve as a beacon for culture and creativity.
“We want people to know that we are a cultural anchor,” Land. said “We’re also a cultural asset that we want them to embrace and enjoy.”
Yon can see upcoming events at the Douglass Theatre advertised on its new marquee as well as on its website.
